Westside City Buying, Condemning Properties

HILLSBORO, OR-The City of Hillsboro is having one Downtown property handed to it on a silver platter while it begins condemnation proceedings to secure two others.

Wayne Holmes, owner of a two-story building next to a former theater the city owns and wants to expand and redevelop, gave the city first rights to by the building at 257 E. Main St.. Earlier this week, the City Council voted to purchase property for its $160,000 asking price. The city bought the 800-seat theater in 1996 for $1,500, and hopes to transform it into a McMenamins-style theater and brew pub.

On the same day they voted to purchase the property from Holmes, City Council members directed officials to start condemnation proceedings for two more downtown storefronts at the southeast corner of East Main Street and South First Avenue. The Hall Law Firm and First Church of Christ, Scientist are said to be the occupants and owners of the buildings.